For over 30 years, this building has not only been a familiar destination for Hanoians but also a part of the soul of the city center. However, now that the decision to demolish the building has been approved, many people cannot help but regret the disappearance of a part of their memory.
The latest information from the Hanoi People's Committee said that the Shark Jaw building will be demolished before April 30, 2025 to serve urban planning, expand the traffic square space and connect the old quarter with the Hoan Kiem Lake area. This decision was made in the context of the city implementing plans to renovate public spaces, aiming for a more modern and harmonious urban appearance.
According to the Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture, after the demolition of Shark Jaw, an area of nearly 500 square meters of this project will be used to create open space, connecting the surrounding streets. This is expected to help reduce traffic pressure, while returning a more open landscape to the central area.
Sea of people come to Shark Jaw
Thousands of people flocked to check-in with Shark Jaw
Capture the moment before Jaws becomes a memory
Many young people take the opportunity to check-in and take photos to preserve memories with Shark Jaw. But not only young people, but also people of the older generation - those who have been attached to Hanoi since the 90s, also come here as a way to say goodbye. Although this planning can bring many long-term benefits to the city, for many people it still leaves many regrets. They remember a time of youth, about dates on high floors with a panoramic view of Hoan Kiem Lake, about afternoons sipping coffee and watching people passing by on the street.
Uncle Huan, a resident of Hanoi, shared: “Hearing that Jaws of the Shark is about to be dismantled, my whole family went to the street to take pictures. I want to keep the memories and my grandchildren want to give them a part of their childhood memories. This is my favorite place in Hoan Kiem Lake. Every time I go to the street, I can only think of Jaws of the Shark.”
Uncle Nguyen Ngoc Huan and his niece joined the crowd
Since the news of the demolition of Shark Jaws was announced, the Hoan Kiem Lake area has become more bustling than ever. Every weekend the walking street is "broken" by thousands of people flocking here to enjoy the last moments with this iconic building. Where music events and festivals are often held on weekends, there will soon be no beautiful view to enjoy.
Many cafe and restaurant owners in the building also feel regretful. Although they know that urban planning is an inevitable part of development, losing a familiar business location, a symbol that has built their brand for many years, is still unacceptable. The demolition of Shark Jaw is part of the city's constant change. Hanoi, like any other city, always needs to innovate to adapt to development. But besides that, there also needs to be solutions to preserve the cultural and historical values of the city.
Perhaps what many people regret is not just the loss of a building but the feeling of losing a part of their memory. Although Shark Jaw may not be a centuries-old ancient structure like Turtle Tower or Ngoc Son Temple, it is still a part of Hanoi's history during the transition period of the 90s, the period when the city began to have the first modern structures.
People check-in at Shark Jaw
The Shark Jaw Building was built in the 1990s, located right at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square next to Hoan Kiem Lake. With its unique architecture that protrudes like a shark's jaw, this building quickly became one of the most prominent destinations in Hanoi at that time.
When it first appeared, Ham Ca Map was considered one of the most modern buildings in the center of Hanoi. The cafes and restaurants on the upper floors of the building offer a beautiful view of Hoan Kiem Lake - home to the ancient Turtle Tower, the brilliant The Huc Bridge and the sacred Ngoc Son Temple. Hanoians, domestic and foreign tourists often come here to enjoy a cup of coffee and enjoy the peaceful space in the heart of bustling Hanoi.
Not only a culinary and entertainment destination, Ham Ca Map is also a place associated with the memories of many generations. It is the date of couples, the lively conversations of friends, the place where people come to see Hanoi from a special perspective. Gradually, Ham Ca Map is not only an architectural work but also becomes a part of the memory of the city and the people who come here.
Not only a culinary and entertainment destination, Shark Jaw is also a place associated with the memories of many generations.
In the future, when the building is no longer there, the memories will remain forever in the minds of those who have been attached to this place. The check-in photos, the stories told, the memories of the days sitting on the Shark Jaw balcony overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake… all will become a part of urban history.
Despite the regret, Hanoians will continue to embrace the changes of their beloved city. Who knows, in the future, another building will rise up, bringing with it new memories, new marks of a Hanoi that is constantly moving. In the flow of time, architectural works come and go, but memories will forever remain in everyone's mind. Shark's Jaw may no longer exist, but the image of a bustling street corner where people used to sit and sip coffee and watch Hoan Kiem Lake will always be mentioned with pride and nostalgia.
And no matter what, Hanoi is still Hanoi - a city that always knows how to harmonize the past and the future, nostalgia and innovation.
